Melody & Pain - Marissa McCallam

It's 2018 and relentless people-pleaser, Melody, is fresh from a break-up. When best friend, Nico, invites her to a party as a distraction, Melody is blindsided by evidence of her ex-boyfriend's infidelity. To make matters worse, she is then ignored for a work promotion and faces a pay cut. Worried about affording her bills, she desperately arranges flatmate interviews, inviting the mysterious Pain to live with her.

As Melody's connection with Pain deepens over intimate meals and 'game nights', the usually easy-going Nico becomes increasingly distant. Encouraged by Pain, Melody accepts a free trial at the local Thai boxing gym where she meets self-assured trainer, Yvette. With the growth of her physical strength and confidence, Melody begins to question her relationships. Exploring identity, mental health and the healing process, Melody & Pain is a novel asking the question: What if Pain were a person and moved into your home?